ABSTRACT
Only 3% to 5% of small firms account for three-fourths of jobs created in the United States.[1] Not only do these high-growth firms create jobs, but they also are much less likely than other small businesses to fail; create considerably more wealth in the form of profits, sales, and value; pay higher wages and offer greater employee benefits; are much more likely to export products and services; and invest more in research and development (R&D). These firms also outperform the Fortune 500 companies. Many observers believe that for every one that succeeds, many more potential and emerging high-growth firms that are worthy investment opportunities never start up or die prematurely because capital needs at earliest stages of development are unmet.
